Oilsands developers made a collective vow on Wednesday to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, without sacrificing thermal production that stands out as the top Canadian natural gas consumer.

Five firms that control 90% of the 3 million b/d Alberta industry – Canadian Natural Resources Ltd., Cenovus Energy Inc., ExxonMobil’s Imperial Oil Ltd., Meg Energy Corp. and Suncor Energy Inc. – formed a coalition called Oil Sands Pathways to Net Zero.

Canadian Natural President Tim McKay said Canada has “an opportunity to lead on climate change by delivering meaningful emissions reductions as well as balancing sustainable economic development.”

Carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) tops the cleanup agenda. The group said its anchor plan would be a...